There have been three things that have kept me sane and helped me keep fear and anxiety at bay over the past several months of quarantine, closure, political and economic upheaval and racial tension.
Firstly, the love of and caring for and by my family has been paramount. There is nothing like a global crisis to highlight what is most important – heath, family and the love that emanates toward each other and reverberates outward to others. Family is bigger than blood.
The other two important elements have been my daily routine of mindfulness meditation and personal reflection and my daily practice of Pilates.
I am a firm believer in the importance of good habits. Habits give shape and routine to my days and allow me, bit by bit, to visualize and achieve my goals. Good habits allow me to prioritize what is important to me.
My daily habits of reflection and exercise have been built over a lifetime and I have relied on them over these last few months as the need for strength, fortitude, grace and agility of mind and body have become even more important.
We are so happy when we hear you tell us over and over how Retrofit online classes have kept you together and whole in mind, body and spirit. We know movement is medicine and individuals thrive with community connection. Healthy habits include and prioritize self-care.
As summer nears end and we ready ourselves for the return to usual activities, it is a time for new beginnings.
Everything is different now. Many activities have changed. We are adjusting to so many things being online – exercise, book club, music lessons and of course school and often work. And yet as the new online world becomes more and more usual and comfortable, we long for the familiar, daily interplay and connection with people.
It has been such a joy to reopen the studio and welcome so many of you back to private instruction. We look forward to welcoming you back to group classes in a few weeks. It is so heartwarming to see your smiling eyes above your masks!
The new normal will be different – smaller classes, fewer people in the studio, more time between classes. I will miss the hustle and bustle of activity we have been so accustomed to. There will be more space and an uncharacteristic quiet. In that quiet space will be room for detail and precision and a reflection of how we got here and where we want to go.
Of course, we will continue our online studio with increased offerings, classes and workshops. As we continue to grow and build we will be more mindful of the communities and people we have underserved and we will reach out with purpose and integrity.
Whether in-studio or online we will continue to work with you and to help you build and maintain strength, fortitude, grace and agility.
Welcome back!